Misery Index's music is best described as death metal with strong hardcore punk and grindcore influences. Their vein of music is often said to resemble their fellow Maryland brutal death metal outfit Dying Fetus, as Netherton, Voyles, ex-guitarist Greig and ex-drummer Talley are all former members of that band. Misery Index's lyrical subject matter is quite left-wing, often coinciding with anarcho-punk aesthetic and focusing mostly on the ills of modern society. Their band name is derived from the economic indicator of the same name, which was also the namesake of the last album by Assück, from whom Misery Index draw a significant influence.

The band runs its own record label, Anarchos Records, on which it has released a few EP's. They signed to Relapse Records in January, 2006, and released their second album entitled Discordia in May 2006.